PLATE-CLUTCH 2327575 - Caterpillar

Because the strength of the frame may decrease, some manufacturers do not recommend welding onto a chassis frame or rail. Consult the OEM of the equipment or your Caterpillar dealer regarding welding on a chassis frame or rail.
Proper welding procedures are necessary in order to avoid damage to the engines ECM, sensors, and associated components. When possible, remove the component from the unit and then weld the component. If removal of the component is not possible, the following procedure must be followed when you weld on a unit equipped with an Electronic Engine. The following procedure is considered to be the safest procedure to weld on a component. This procedure should provide a minimum risk of damage to electronic components.
Do not ground the welder to electrical components such as the ECM or sensors. Improper grounding can cause damage to the drive train bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components, and other components.Clamp the ground cable from the welder to the component that will be welded. Place the clamp as close as possible to the weld. This will help reduce the possibility of damage.
Note: Perform the welding in areas that are free from explosive hazards.
Stop the engine. Turn the switched power to the OFF position.
Ensure that the fuel supply to the engine is turned off.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. If a battery disconnect switch is provided, open the switch.
Disconnect all electronic components from the wiring harnesses. Include the following components:
Electronic components for the driven equipment
ECM
Sensors
Electronically controlled valves
Relays
Aftertreatment ID module
Do not use electrical components (ECM or ECM sensors) or electronic component grounding points for grounding the welder.
Illustration 1 g01075639
Use the example above. The current flow from the welder to the ground clamp of the welder will not damage any associated components.
(1) Engine
(2) Welding electrode
(3) Keyswitch in the OFF position
(4) Battery disconnect switch in the open position
(5) Disconnected battery cables
(6) Battery
(7) Electrical/Electronic component
(8) Minimum distance between the component that is being welded and any electrical/electronic component
(9) The component that is being welded
(10) Current path of the welder
(11) Ground clamp for the welder
Connect the welding ground cable directly to the part that will be welded. Place the ground cable as close as possible to the weld in order to reduce the possibility of welding current damage to the following components. Bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components, and ground straps. Note: If electrical/electronic components are used as a ground for the welder, or electrical/electronic components are located between the welder ground and the weld, current flow from the welder could severely damage the component.
Protect the wiring harness from welding debris and spatter.
Use standard welding practices to weld the materials.